Blackhawks strike first with triple-overtime win against Bruins

Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw (centre) celebrates his game-winning, triple-overtime goal against the Bruins with teammates during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final at the United Center in Chicago, June 13, 2013. (JOHN GRESS/Reuters)

ROB LONGLEY, QMI Agency

CHICAGO - They are two iconic NHL franchises that have each been around for almost nine decades and finally had their first meeting in a Stanley Cup final.

And after such a riveting debut between the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins on Wednesday night at a bursting United Center, Game 2 on Saturday night can't come soon enough.

The curtain raiser in the best-of-seven championship series veered toward instant classic status based on the drama and intensity that unfolded, setting the stage for what could be a memorable two weeks.

Ultimately, it took a double-deflection to end it with 7:52 left in the third overtime period as the ‘Hawks drew first blood with a 4-3 win.

Andrew Shaw got credit for the winning goal after a point shot from Michal Rozsival was first tipped by David Bolland before the puck went in off the knee of Shaw and behind Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask.

And so ended the fifth-longest game in the history of the Stanley Cup final on the 63rd shot by the ‘Hawks.